I notice this a lot, and I find it really frustrating. People try to invalidate an opinion by suggesting that the one who made it isn't a filmmaker, therefore they can't know what they're talking about. It's often used in defense of a film, from someone making a subjective criticism of it, or its style.

But the irony is that if this logic is to be consistent then it must go both ways - So the person who defends the film is probably just as illegitimate since they themselves are not a filmmaker.

But the conclusion of this logic suggests that anyone that isn't a filmmaker cannot have an opinion on film, good OR bad. So by that logic, there's no sense to this board or any of its discussion.

It's just a lazy idea and is not productive at all.

*BREATHES HEAVILY*

Okay, rant done.

Well watching movies and making them are two different things. Some posters speak like they have 1st hand experience when in reality, they have none in the subject they are discussing. Saying whether or not a film is good or bad, however, doesn't require qualifications.

But just disregarding an opinion because that person isn't a filmmaker is lazy and less productive than actually discussing the opinion in a considerate manner.

Depends on what they are talking about. But in general yes, everyone's opinion is valid.

I think perhaps you're considering tone more than content. Someone can have an opinion without being a dickhead about it, but even the dichead's opinion should be considered. They'd still be a dickhead, though.

No, I mean it depends on the content. You and I could have differing opinions on a film and that's okay. Neither you nor I need to show proof that we are more or less educated in film-making to have an opinion. But let's say I state that a film has poor cinematography. How do I support this argument? First, I have to know what 'cinematography' is and I need to make valid statements that support my argument, otherwise I'm just spewing unsupported nonsense.

Well in that case you could just be more general like saying "poor visuals", or on the contrary more specific like "poor camerawork", which everyone knows what it is. This way nobody can criticize you you are just stating your opinion.

How do I support this argument? First, I have to know what 'cinematography' is and I need to make valid statements that support my argument, otherwise I'm just spewing unsupported nonsense.

But that's exactly my point. We should have reasonable discussion and debate where we can explain and clarify our opinions rather than just making such blanket statements.

This would go for someone who states that a film has great cinematography as well, because as I said, the logic should go both ways.

Indeed. I used to run into this personally with music a lot when I was younger and would tell friends something along the lines of "Kirk Hammett sucks" and they'd say "He's better than you", which really isn't relevant, but there you go.

Yep its a load of crap, you don't have to be an actor to spot bad acting either.

You talk a lot of sense, shipmate. Nice post.

waiting for SFBE's undoubtedly brilliant reply

I agree. That douchebag mignagni always tries to make others' opinions seem invalid because he made a movie and put it on YouTube and they didn't.

Who made a movie? I'd like to see it. Anybody can pick up a camera and shoot. It takes a little bit more effort than that before calling yourself a film-maker.

I don't know if there's still a link.

Mignagni's movie was legit, I mean it was like an hour and made with care and all. But rather uninspired, shot in a repetitive way and boring. Acting was good though.

This is mignani's movie:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUfly_iWEaw

Oh the negativity! Look at the downvotes! Look at the comments! The humor! The humor!

Thanks for the link. Just skimming through it, it's definitely a step above "amateur". Pros: They used a tripod, decent framing and lighting

Cons: They only used a tripod, the entire film took place in 1 room, actors stared directly into the camera.

I made a short film a few years back, but I've got enough common sense to not unleash it upon an unsuspecting public. Still, that does not make any film opinion I may have more valid than any other Tom, Dick, and Harry (or Sue).

Exactly.

You don't have to be a chef to know you are eating a shitty meal.